AETF History

AETF History

The AETF History section is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich legacy of the All Europe Taekwon-Do Federation. Here, visitors can explore a timeline of significant dates, milestones, and achievements that have shaped our federation since its founding in 1979. This page will also honour the contributions of past Presidents and Board Members, providing insight into their leadership and impact on the growth of ITF Taekwon-Do in Europe. Additionally, it will feature the original AETF logo—now designated as a ceremonial heraldic crest—as a symbol of our tradition and heritage. This space serves as a tribute to the journey of European Taekwon-Do and a record for future generations.

AETF Heraldic Crest

In recognition of its historical significance, the AETF Board of Directors has officially designated the original AETF logo as the federation’s ceremonial Heraldic Crest. This decision honours the legacy and identity that the emblem has represented for over four decades. While the AETF has adopted a modernised visual identity for day-to-day use, the Heraldic Crest will be reserved for special occasions, formal documentation, and ceremonial purposes. This approach allows the federation to embrace progress while preserving the symbols that connect us to our roots. The Heraldic Crest stands as a proud reminder of the AETF’s foundation, its pioneers, and the enduring values of Taekwon-Do in Europe.

Bridging The Eastern And The Western World

Even a bird nests before it rains. Moreover, being exposed to the danger under their conspiracy, I wanted to consider who wolud be the next president of the ITF. I had considered a couple of candidates earlier, but by through the pressure or the lures of the Korean government, they had to leave me one by one.

I thought the Vice-President, Master Suh-Jong Kang, might be the one. Having that in mind, I took him to Europe in June 1979, to give him some international experience. The first destination was Stockholm. There we joined with Master Ki-Ha Rhee, who had come from England, and instructor Won-Sup Lim, who was residing in Sweden. Then we headed off to Oslo, Norway.

The reason why we were there was to create an organisation uniting the associations in eastern and western Europe. When I arrived at the hotel all four from the East and ten from the West had already arrived there.

In the meeting with those representatives from 14 countries, the All Europe Taekwon-Do Federation was born. All agreed to select Ki-Ha Rhee as the President, and Won-Sup Lim as the Technical Committee Chair; the two rare Korean members still showed that Korea was the suzerain country from whence Taekwon-Do had originated. I was also glad to see that the East and the West were united, using Taekwon-Do to break through 30 years of cold war, as if they were real brothers.

Having this vision of the future, the East and the West united in Taekwon-Do together, proving on the 14th of June, 1979 that this martial art was a source of affirmation to all religions, races, ideologies, and nationalities. It became another memorable day in the history of Taekwon-Do.

Gen. Choi Hong Hi, The Father of Taekwon-Do
“Taekwon-Do and I”, part 2, pages 330-331

Since its founding in 1979, the All Europe Taekwon-Do Federation (AETF) has been guided by a succession of dedicated leaders whose vision and commitment shaped the development of Taekwon-Do across the continent. In recognition of their exceptional contributions, the AETF Congress has appointed several distinguished figures as Honorary Presidents, honouring their lasting influence on European Taekwon-Do. Alongside these appointments, the federation has been led by a line of elected Presidents, each serving in their respective terms and playing a vital role in strengthening the organisation and promoting Taekwon-Do throughout Europe.

Honorary Presidents of AETF

Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha

Luis Baguena

Tadeusz Łoboda

AETF Presidencies in chronological order

Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha
Scotland (14.06.1979 – 18.11.1998)

Luis Baguena Salvador
Spain (18.11.1988 – 10.04.1996)

Georgios Stylianides
Greece (10.04.1996 – 05.10.2002)

Willem Jacob Bos
Italy (5.10. 2002 -14.05.2004)

Tadeusz Łoboda
Poland (14.05.2004 -11.10.2019)

Acting President: Coos van den Heuvel
Netherlands (11.10.2019 – 26.11.2021)

Leo Oros Duek
Israel (26.11.2021-23.04.2025)

Tomaz Barada
Slovenia (23.04.2025 – present)

Sources of Honorary President Appointments

Item 6 Other Appointments
a) The President, Mr. Baguena, proposes Master Rhee Ki Ha as a Honorary President of the ETF, wich is accepted unanimously.
Source: European Taekwon-Do Federation (ETF) Meeting of the Congress, Madrid, Spain, November 18th,1988

Mr Baguena was elected A.E.T.F. President on the A.E.T.F. Congress held in Madrid, Spain, on 18th of November 1988 and he has been in that position until the 10th of April 1996.
On the 21st of October 2011, at the ITF Congress held in Bratislava during the European Open Cup, Mr Luis Baguena Salvador was nominated as an Honorary A.E.T.F.
President as an expression of gratitude for his hard work, dedication and contribution to the organisational development of Taekwon-Do ITF in Europe in the past.
Source: https://old.itfeurope.org/NL2010-04-24.html

9. Honorary AETF President
Master Leonardo Oros Duek submit on behalf of the AETF Board of Directors the motion to the Congress to honor Master Tadeusz Loboda, Former President of AETF in the years 2004 – 2019 with the title of Honorary AETF President. The motion was approved unanimously. Master Leonardo Oros Duek granted to Master Loboda a special congratulatory commemorate plaque and flowers.
Source: Minutes of the Congress of All Europe Taekwon-Do Federation 29th April 2022 in Porec, Croatia